Molly's Defense

Paradise in The Meeting Room

10 May 2004 -- On Saturday 8 May 2004, Molly Roach amazed and charmed an audience of the Assembly and guests with her Thesis Defense. Molly's paper was a discussion and expansion on the idea of "paradise," as embodied in its roots, a Persian word meaning "enclosed garden." The paper made several interesting assertions (citing some research and a theory of attention proffered by William James). On its own, the paper was provocative and persuasive, but it was not conclusive. Molly did not let the paper stand on its own.

Molly, with the help of some friends, arranged to take on consignment some 96 plants from Richardson's Floral Centers. Using these, plus some benches, gravel, mulch, and a water fountain of her own devising, she converted the Meeting Room of the School into a "paradise garden." The transformation was startling and, as one got more accustomed to the idea, it became profound. One might have expected the effect to be that of a few plants being placed in a room; everyone has seen rooms with houseplants. However, the effect of what Molly did was completely different. By applying the principles discussed in the paper, by varying texture and balancing organization with diversity, comprehensibility with mystery, she made the place into a completely different experience. The room seemed to disappear. In the terms of the paper, a "unique universe" was made in which one was separate from the entire world outside. It was a new place. 

By transforming a room into a paradise, Molly made it possible to experience sensually the points which were made in her paper. The force of the written arguments was made real by the experience of sitting on a bench and allowing the burble of the fountain and the soothing atmosphere of the garden to penetrate one's mind, through the eyes, ears, through the scents, the cool and fresh breeze, through the feel of the harsh stones and the soft mulch under the feet. After just a few moments of quiet looking, the relaxation of directed attention and the sense of refreshment and relief, which were described in the paper, became a direct and compelling experiences. The conversion of the room was an experiment that argued for the understanding suggested intellectually in the writing. It was a tour de force of eloquent demonstration.

Nevertheless, this was not the entire presentation in defense of the diploma thesis. In addition to the paper and its embodiment in the created garden, Molly gave a balanced and thorough spoken presentation, outlining and analyzing her activities during her nine years in The New School. She left the audience in tears, when she ended this speech with a tremulous rendition of an Irish song, using the image of a garden to tie the central activities of human life to love and caring for others and to the need for freedom.

The applause was sustained and heartfelt. 

Molly's shyness was apparent during her talk. She swayed from side to side as she spoke, making it clear that part of her wanted to be away from the focus of attention -- but her courage held.  The presentation was so well done, that even the kitschy presence of a garden gnome on the table next to her during the speech did not detract over-much.

After a short break, Molly returned for some hour and thirty-six minutes of discussion with the audience. She answered with her unique combination of charm, wit, and reflective silences. Though she was clearly tired toward the end, the discussion was satisfying and engaging. It was apparent that Molly was honest and forthcoming about her thoughts and plans, with careful attention to communicating clearly, and no thought of dissembling or speaking merely to please or sway the listeners.

After discussion in Molly's absence, the vote of the gathered members of the Assembly was unanimous (29-0) to recommend that Molly receive a diploma at the June meeting.

Molly's plans, if she is granted a diploma, are to remain connected with the School over the next year or so, while she explores focusing on activities outside of the School. She plans to volunteer at Longwood Gardens, to feel her way into expanded social contacts with people whom she does not know. She will also be considering whether her desire to attend college is real, or a passing response to general expectations. Fortunately, Molly will not be a stranger to the School or to the campus in the next few years.